Anniversary of Halifax Explosion to be commemorated on December 6

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 – On Friday, December 6, an official ceremony will be held from 8:50 a.m.

to 9:20 a.m. at the Fort Needham Hill Bell Tower in Halifax, to honour those who lost their lives in the Halifax Explosion of December 6, 1917, as well as the survivors. The devastating explosion occurred when two ships – the French munitions ship, the Mont Blanc, and the Norwegian relief ship, the Imo – collided in the Narrows of Halifax Harbour. Over 1,900 people were killed immediately; within a year the number had risen to over 2,000. Around 9,000 more were injured. Almost all of north-end Halifax was destroyed. Friday’s service will include a memorial prayer and moment of silence, recognition of survivors and the laying of memorial wreaths. Other events to commemorate the anniversary include:

9:30 a.m. – Public Reception following the Annual Halifax Explosion Memorial Service, United Memorial Church, 5350 Young St, Halifax 10:00 a.m. – Halifax Regional Fire Services Memorial Event, Fire Station 4, 5830 Lady Hammond Road, Halifax 11:00 a.m. – A Service of Remembrance will take place at the park located at the intersection of Albro Lake Road and Pinecrest Drive, Dartmouth. For more, information on the Halifax Explosion events and history, visit www.halifax.ca/HalifaxExplosion.